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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Support Drift

Support Drift Food Truck!

Support Local Business!

The Story

Drift Food Truck has been regularly parked on 108 Street and
Jasper Avenue since last season. A few short weeks ago, they showed up at their
regular spot to find that they could no longer park there due to construction.

After working with their Street Vending Coordinator, they
were able to relocate quickly to a spot on 100 Ave and 108 Street. Although
they only park there 3-4 times a week, a nearby business owner has been
complaining to both the City of Edmonton and to Kara and Nevin Fenske – the
owners and operators of Drift Food Truck daily.

The Dilemma

Due to the daily complaints from the neighboring
establishment, the City of Edmonton has given Drift Food Truck a deadline of
Monday, May 22nd, 2012 to move from their current location or risk
having their permit revoked.

Why Should You Care?

There are currently no clear bylaws to protect mobile street
vendors. With more food trucks going live this summer, clear guidelines are
needed. The currently guidelines that exist are as follows, and basically state
that since mobile vendors are mobile, that they will likely be expected to be
the one that moves:

Current Street Vending Guidelines

Where a conflict arises with an existing business, the Sustainable Development

Department reserves the right to relocate the contentious Vendor.

One roadside vending operation is allowed per block side.

Where a conflict arises because of construction or other unforeseen problems, the Sustainable Development Department reserves the right to relocate the Vendor.

Drift Food Truck and other similar mobile vendors work long
and hard to establish a clientele in the area in which they are located. Having
a consistent place to park where people can find them day after day is integral
to maintaining and growing their business. Like any other restaurant, people
make plans to visit food trucks and expect them to be able to find them in
their normal spot, open at their regular times. These constant moves means that
Drift Food Truck constantly has to work hard to ensure that regular and new
customers know where they will be located on any given day.

UPDATE May 25, 2012: Drift filed an appeal with vending operations and have been granted an extension to stay at their current location of 108 Street and 100 Ave until decisions can be made on bylaws or possible changes to their vending program.